County preparing for population boom

Mar. 14, 2008

Written by

AMY PICARD

ADVOCATE REPORTER

Licking County has been growing slowly for 200 years, but when a new four-lane highway running through the middle is completed, experts expect the population numbers to jump.

As phase one of the Ohio 161/37 expressway is completed this year, local development experts agree the highway will bring benefits to the county, although many of those benefits might not be realized for several years.

"When (Ohio 161 and 37) are completed, we will have an ability to connect to Columbus in a way that is unprecedented, and certainly that means higher property values for those of us (who) own property in Licking County," said Rick Platt, executive director of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority.

Newark Economic Development Director Stephen Fowler agreed.

"There will be development along the new (Ohio) 161. It is just a matter of how it happens and where," he said.

Fowler said he expects the growth to begin around the interchanges and expand from outward.

"Certainly people might be more inclined to be in (Licking County) communities when they can get in and out of Columbus quickly," Fowler said.

However, Planning Commission Director Jerry Brems said he doesn't expect residential development next year because of the weakening national economy.

Brems said the key to development along the corridor is to form agreements with the townships to provide water and sewer and changing zoning that is 90 percent agricultural.

Rich Platt, executive director of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, said even more development can be expected as the corridor continues to Pittsburgh. A committee is discussing how to get funds to fix four gaps along the route between Granville and Pittsburgh.

"That could really open a great deal of economic potential in the future as we would be part of the four-lane highway connection that would connect Columbus markets to Pittsburgh," he said. "That's what I am truly excited about."

However, the corridor is not the only area where development can be expected.

Platt said Bayer, Boeing and Longaberger have product development centers throughout the county.

"These major manufactures are developing the next generation of products right here in Licking County," Platt said.

Brems said the southwest portion of the county will continue to see manufacturing and distribution expansion, and he expects continued development along North 21st Street in Newark.